I've decided to convert to Mahayana Buddhism. Now what?
I did a test on the Internet as i completely disagree with the religion i was brought up with. Catholicism. I did a test where i filled in my beliefs and it gave me Mahayana Buddhism. I did some research and it turns out that it is nearly perfect for me. I was always interested in Buddhism anyway but now i really want to get into it because I've felt strange since i turned Atheist. I need something in my life and Mahayana Buddhism seems like the right choice for me. I looked everywhere on the Internet and nothing seems to give me anything. What should i be doing now that i am a Mahayana Buddhist? Or should i just say Buddhist? I'm very confused but i want to know what i should do now...
Testing into a belief system doesn't make sense. Only one person is in control of your beliefs - you. And I bet it was a rigged test to convert people to Catholicism.
Buddhism is a good philosophical system for the irreligious who like some sort of structure in their lives and can't do it by themselves.
Buddhism is not like religion. It does not require that you follow any rituals or such, other than the obvious one - to treat everyone and everything with respect. You're free to worship any Deity as you please because Buddhism is a lifestyle choice, rather than a deity-based religion. And you're free to call yourself whatever you want. You're not obliged to call it Mahayana Buddhism, or Buddhism.
Buddhism's only 'mission' is to accomplish enlightenment - inner peace. Buddhism has no Deity. It's the equivalent of atheism, only with a lifetime goal - to achieve enlightenment.
So just relax already! You don't have to do anything right now. Just be respectful of things. Even the mission to achieve enlightenment is technically malleable from person to person. You can either try to achieve it, or choose not to.
Buddhism has no pressure. So don't flip out, okay?
Any search for inner knowing, spirituality or whatever it is you are looking for, that takes you to an institutional belief is a faulty search so be careful. Join the movement if you desire but never let yourself be owned by it. You are the essence of God. That is what Buddism will teach you but you are actually more than that. You are god. You have all the answers within you now. You only need find them. Good luck!
I myself grew up in a very strict Catholic home and went to 10 years of Catholic school. I don't consider myself to be any religion. I have been studying some Buddhist teachings, and I really do like it. My favorite author is Thich Naht Haan who is a Buddhist monk. I have been reading alto of his books, and find that I really like Buddhism, not on a religious stand point, but more of a lifestyle. I would start by buying some books on Buddhism and start meditating.
Not surprised Catholicism is not Christian! it is disguised as Christian it is full of vile offense and hypocrisy that have probably sickened you as it has many over its long History, Paedophilia,Idolatry, False Mass, False Purgatory, Mary worship, Funding Wars and criminals, False Representative on Earth"Pope" this station Belongs to Christ Alone, People manipulation, perverting the Sabbath, Sun worship symbols, unbecoming wealth, secret power wielding manipulating governments, withholding accepting Christs Deity, in house Brutality toward Nun's including sexual abuse, Abuse of and forced Confession system, promoting buying off off Sin for the dead.
Write a letter to Dalai Lama. Or you can to a known monk from Mahayana Sect. Or visit a Mahayana Buddhist temple nearby. Or visit an Internet site that can give you advice.
Hello.
I've been practicing Mahayana Buddhism ( Nichiren Buddhism)
and I joined the Global Buddhist community (SGI) that support
and encourage each other based on the Buddhist practice and
working for each person happiness & better society & world peace.
It all begins from one person.
It's been really influencing my life and leading me to positive way.
Please check these website for more info.
http://www.sgi.org ( able to watch introduction video)
http://sgi-usa.org
You've received a lot of good advice from the majority of the responders. My personal opinion is to do some serious thinking on this matter. You may find that there are some major differences between Buddhism and your birth faith.
Before renouncing your birth faith (let's call it Christianity instead of Catholicism for the sake of argument) realize that Buddhism is generally ambiguous about a supreme creator, an eternal soul, etc. I'm a little vague from your details as to whether you have Taken Refuge in the Triple Gem. You may find that you would be more comfortable spiritually to remain Christian but in a tradition that is not as dogmatic as Roman (I presume) Catholic. I'm sure *that* comment will generate a "few" thumbs down. As the Dalai Lama said, "Don't try to use what you learn from Buddhism to be a Buddhist; use it to be a better whatever-you-already-are." The conversion to Buddhism is not a matter to be taken lightly. Yes, I am a practicing Buddhist.
Anyway, all this said, should you decide to become Buddhist you do not have to classify yourself as Mahayana Buddhist. Most of us Buddhists do not go around saying that "I'm Mahayana Vajrayana Buddhist of Dzogchen lineage of the Nyingma school and the Karma Kagyu lineage.?." We simply identify ourselves as Buddhist. People will know either from our practice but it ultimately makes no difference.
I've decided to convert to Mahayana Buddhism. Now what?
